11. Chapter 11

My own office?

I can't believe my dad would insist that I get an office. All I'm supposed to be doing here is learning some office skills, not inserting myself into the company. I have no idea what I'm doing, and it just feels wrong to take up an entire office when I see rows of desks from other people in the company.

"Is everything okay? Do you not like the office?" Jodie asks me.

We stand in a large space. The back wall of the room is filled with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ice below.

"No, the office is beautiful. I didn't think I was going to be doing anything more than answering phones and emails," I say.

Nodding, Jodie moves over next to me. "I understand. Look, I don't know you yet, but I've worked with your dad for a year now. I can tell that he wants the best for you, and I think this is his way of showing that. It may not be any of my business, but do you have a major yet?"

Sighing, I feel that sense of dread again. "No, I don't. I guess my dad told you what a screw-up I am?"

Jodie places a hand on my arm, and the gesture is oddly comforting. I can't remember the last time my mom, or anyone else, touched me in a maternal way. My body seemed to relax under her touch. "Your dad told me that you needed direction. To be honest, I have seen the tabloids where you were photographed. I follow all types of public relations companies. I don't think you are a screw-up. You just need to find your passion and your niche. Maybe it will be in public relations, or maybe it will be somewhere else. But for now, learn the ropes of this company and get some work added to your resume. Let this be a steppingstone to your future."

I turn to look directly at Jodie. She is being so kind to me. "Thank you," is all I can manage.

"No problem. Why don't you sit down and research the charity that Logan chose? Your computer login information is written on that Post-it," she states, pointing to the white desk where a sleek, silver Chromebook sits. "We are going to work for two hours today, and then you are free to go home. Come in tomorrow, and we can create a schedule that works around your classes." As she heads to leave, I feel a genuine need to thank her.

"Jodie, this is very nice of you. I will do my best to help you all," I tell her.

"I know you will," Jodie says, then leaves me alone.

***

An hour later, I've written a full page of notes about the Rally For Kids Charity. This organization has athletes who work with underprivileged kids to teach them different skills. It's an after-school program that meets once a week. They get donations to fund their program.

A knock at the office door startles me from my work. Glancing up from my screen, I spot Logan leaning against the door frame. Damn, why does he look so hot right now?

"Nice office," he says, stepping inside the room. Suddenly, the room feels smaller with his presence.

"Thanks," I say.

Making small talk feels strange. We aren't friends, but we're not strangers either. We saw one another naked. He's touched every inch of my body, and I've had his dick inside of me.

"Look," he starts, "I know you"re not my biggest fan right now, but this charity thing... It means a lot."

"It's not about me being a fan or not. We don't know one another. I think you should do charity," I explained.

"I do, too. I like the concept. It"s a youth program. Hockey for underprivileged kids. It's teaching them the game, sure, but also about teamwork, discipline... values I need to relearn myself." His smile is genuine as he talks. He moves to sit in a small chair next to my desk. "Topher, the team defensive coach, molded me into the hockey player I am today. He spent his days teaching me and my buddies about hockey but also about how to be men. I think I need to give back now."

I'm almost taken aback by his admission. I didn't realize he was taking this seriously.

"That does sound important," I conceded.

"Will you help me with it?" he quickly asks.

"Logan, I will help Jodie and Sawyer as part of my job, but helping you feels…" I let my words trail off.

My biggest fear is that if I spend too much time with Logan, I could really fall for him. I don't want to diminish his feelings or what he wants to do because it genuinely is a great idea, but I can't get involved with a guy like Logan. He has plans—a future.

My plan – to get out of Sunnyvale intact and find my own way in life.

"Come on, it can be fun. We can get to know one another, and the press will love it."

I have to tamp down my emotions right now. This man just went from sweet and honest to cocky right before my eyes.

"Okay, but this isn"t just about putting on a show. You're going to actually have to commit to this, Logan. They'll need someone consistent in their lives." I try to remind him of the real reason we are putting him with this charity.

"Consistency," he repeated, a wry smile touching his lips as he grasped the concept like a lifeline. "I can do that."

I sure hope so. My eyes trailed over the website again, which showcased sweet smiling faces of children as they worked through various sports. Well-known athletes smiled alongside them. These are kids who have to fight in this world, unlike me, who has been given everything I've ever wanted. Maybe there"s a small part of me who wants Logan to do this because I feel my own sort of way about being privileged and taking advantage of that.

"Good," I said, my voice carrying a challenge. "Because these kids will be looking up to you. Don't let them down like you did everyone else."

I sounded harsh, but Logan needed to grasp the reality of this situation. I wasn't sure when I became the responsible one, but here I am, kicking ass and doing the damn thing. Maybe my dad will be proud of me for once.

"Understood," he answered, somber in his newfound sense of purpose.

I could hear Jodie's heels clicking along the tiled floor of the hallway and I was pleased to have her join us. I needed someone else in the room right now.

"I'm glad to see both of you in here. Logan, have you learned about the charity?" she asks, rushing inside my office.

"Yes, Sawyer went over it with me, and Ashlynn and I were just discussing it, too," he answered, smiling and winking at me.

I tried to ignore how that smile and wink sent chills racing down my spine.

"Where do we start?" Logan ventured, turning that charming smile on Jodie.

She didn't seem affected by him like I was. I guess when your job is to help arrogant and sexy-as-sin men, you learn to become unaffected by them.

Jodie glances at her phone in her hands, typing out something as she starts talking. "First, you"ll meet the kids, get to know them," Jodie instructed, her tone businesslike but not unkind. "Then we plan out the sessions, focusing on fundamentals."

"Got it," Logan said, nodding.

"Did Sawyer give you your schedule?" she questioned, glancing up to see his response.

"Yeah, but she said she needs to talk to Topher again. We have the Vegas games coming up, and we need to work around that," Logan explained.

I had no idea what the Hawks' schedule was. I guess I should learn that.

"Okay. I will get with Sawyer to get that information. I need to make a few calls, but I will see you both tomorrow." Jodie says goodbye to us and then leaves just as quickly as she entered.

Once we are alone, Logan stands and offers that panty-melting smile again. "Thank you, Ashlynn," he managed, sincerity rooting itself in his voice. "For giving me a shot at redemption."

"Don"t thank me yet," I replied, offering no smile, only a measured nod. "Prove you deserve it."

Running a hand through his hair, Logan lets out a slight chuckle. "Got it. Do you want to get out of here and get some lunch?" Logan asks.

My gut twists as I am starving but having lunch with Logan probably isn't a good idea. His arrogance is annoying but endearing at the same time. I am used to guys who think that they are gods, but Logan isn't stuck up. He knows he's good at what he does, and that he is charming. I'm so attracted to him, but I have to keep fighting the urge to touch and be near him.

"I don't know. Working together is going to be tough. Let's not push anything," I explain.

"You aren't going to make this easy, are you?" he asks, through a light chuckle.

"Are you seriously saying you think us hanging out would be a good idea?" I shriek. "We need to keep our little secret from becoming an issue. Plus, you don't know anything about me."

Logan is clearly a smart guy. He has to know this can only end badly.

"See, you aren't thinking this thing through. We should hang out and become friends. No one would ever suspect that we've partied naked," he says with a childish grin.

I can't help but chuckle at his wittiness. Logan may irritate me, but he also has this appeal to him. He does have a point, though. Maybe eating lunch at the school cafeteria wouldn't be such a bad idea. I mean, we are working together now.

"Fine," I concede. "Just lunch."

Logan smiles widely, and I can see that he feels triumphant right now. "Great, I'm glad you finally gave in."

***

We walk into the cafeteria, and I'm immediately assaulted by the sounds of loud voices and the smells of several tasty aromas. I've only been in here early in the morning and late in the evenings. Since I literally only know a handful of people, and most of them not being students, I've tried to avoid the cafeteria.

"Hey, I think I see my friends," Logan says, waving toward a table of girls.

The girls wave wildly at me, yelling for him to come and join them. Great, we just walked into a Logan fan club meeting.

My stomach drops at the sight of the females. Maybe this was a bad idea after all.

Sensing my unease, he nudges my shoulder with his. "Don't look so freaked out. That's Sadie and Skye. Sadie is Tripp's fiancé and Sky is Jace's girlfriend, but they will be engaged soon." He winks, as if filling me in on a secret. "They are my friends. Trust me, if I so much as looked at those girls the wrong way, Tripp and Jace would cut off my dick," he states, shuddering.

I can't help but laugh at his use of imagery. I've seen the girls at the arena before, but I never really paid them any attention. Makes sense now that they are hockey girlfriends.

"Ok, that's fine," I agree.

We quickly moved through one of the lanes and grab pizza and garlic bread. I nervously followed Logan over to the table. The girls had found a table at the back of the cafeteria near floor to ceiling windows that overlook the campus gardens. It's honestly a tranquil escape amidst the chaos of the campus.

"Hey, ladies. This is Ashlynn. She's new to Sunnyvale and is working with Sawyer in the Hawk's PR department." As Logan introduces me, my nervousness is quickly washed away while the girls welcome me with warm smiles.

"I'm so sorry this guy is who you befriended," Sadie jokes, motioning for us to sit down at the table.

Her lighthearted joke makes me smile.

"Hey, I'm wounded." Logan pretends to be offended, but then takes a huge bite out of his pizza.

"I'm Sadie. Which school did you transfer from?" she asks.

My smile fades and I quickly bite into my pizza, saving myself some time while I decide how to respond. Thankfully, Logan jumps in and saves the day. Who knew he would be my knight in hockey gear?

"She moved from Miami, but she's already loving Sunnyvale." He winks at me. "I mean, what's not to love, right? Sunshine almost year-round, sexy hockey players, and me."

"Wow, Miami. That sounds exciting," Sadie adds in.

All I can do is nod. We continue eating and I listen as the girls talk with Logan about upcoming games and their schedules. Even though I mostly listen, it's nice feeling included for a change.

After sitting through a short lunch with Logan and his friends, I've come to realize two things: First, every girl on campus seems to flock to him wherever he goes. Even girlfriends of his friends. Second, I don't think I am going to be able to stay away from him.

Oh fuck.